Rob "Thor" Thoresen
Rob has been immersed in the rugby world since 2005, and his passion for the sport is unmistakable the moment he starts talking about it. Over the years, he has twice stepped into the role of head coach, bringing steady leadership and a deep understanding of the game to each team he's guided. Away from the pitch, Rob is an avid outdoorsman and hunter, a balance that mirrors the calm, grounded presence he brings to coaching. Rob's coaching style is defined by a quiet confidence and a high rugby IQ. He has a knack for breaking down complex strategies and teaching the finer points of the game in a way players can absorb and apply. His composed demeanor, paired with his strategic insight, creates an environment where athletes can grow, think, and compete at a higher level.
Graham Ellendson
Graham started his rugby career playing sevens in high school for the Faribault Boksprings before coming to Winona State and joining the Men's Rugby team. As club president, he helped guide the program through the paperwork and complications brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. When he broke his leg at the Lakefront 7's Tournament, Graham didn't step away from the sport — he stepped into a new role, transitioning from player to coach for the remainder of his college career. His passion for rugby had always fueled an aggressive play style on the field, but it was his passion for the team that defined his coaching. Through recruiting, teaching, and genuinely welcoming newcomers, Graham helped restore the DOGGS to a healthy player count and made every new member feel like a valued part of the club.
Sam Favor
Sam found Winona Men's Rugby by accident when he started out at college. Originally, Sam was training to walk on to the football team until he was invited to a practice while working out at the IWC. One practice was all it took to get Sam hooked as he loved the intensity, hitting, and team bond that extended past the pitch. Over the five years that Sam played, he saw lots of transitions between coaches and eventually the year 2020 rolled around and Winona Men's Rugby was without a coach and at a crossroads with the unprecedented pandemic. At this time, Sam stepped into the role of player-coach until his time at Winona State came to an end in 2021. The experience of being a player coach was difficult for Sam but he learned valuable lessons and only reinforced the love that he has for coaching.
Jake "Cena" Letsinger
Jake discovered Winona Men's rugby while looking for a sport to play in college, joining the team with no experience after a high-school background in football and track. His first season was a crash course in a completely new sport, but the intensity, physicality, and brotherhood hooked him. He went on to spend five years in the forward pack. A few years after graduating, Jake returned to the Winona Men's, this time as a coach. Working alongside an assistant coach, he helped guide and manage the team for two seasons. His coaching reflects his own journey: supportive of newcomers, committed to hard work, and focused on building the same sense of unity that made him fall in love with the game.
Jeff Noe
Jeff began his coaching career in high school women's rugby, dedicating nine years to developing young athletes before spending seven seasons with the USA Rugby Women's U20 program. His experience and steady leadership eventually led him to Winona, where he took over as the Men's Rugby Head Coach. Over the next four years, Jeff played a key role in shaping one of the most successful eras in the club's history, guiding the team with a blend of discipline, insight, and genuine care for the players. Even after leaving Winona, Jeff has remained deeply involved in the rugby community, coaching multiple women's All-Star teams and continuing to share his knowledge wherever it's needed. Known for his quiet, firm confidence and a dry, subtle sense of humor that rewarded anyone paying close attention, Jeff brought a unique presence to every sideline.
Rob "Thor" Thoresen
Rob has been immersed in the rugby world since 2005, and his passion for the sport is unmistakable the moment he starts talking about it. Over the years, he has twice stepped into the role of head coach, bringing steady leadership and a deep understanding of the game to each team he's guided. Away from the pitch, Rob is an avid outdoorsman and hunter, a balance that mirrors the calm, grounded presence he brings to coaching. Rob's coaching style is defined by a quiet confidence and a high rugby IQ. He has a knack for breaking down complex strategies and teaching the finer points of the game in a way players can absorb and apply. His composed demeanor, paired with his strategic insight, creates an environment where athletes can grow, think, and compete at a higher level.
Nick "Porno" Pronold
Nick's rugby journey began in high school, where he quickly fell in love with finally getting to carry the ball after years spent as an offensive lineman. After graduation, he continued developing his game with several men's clubs before finding his home at Winona State play for 4 years under Coach Josh. After earning his degree, Nick started volunteering as Josh's assistant forwards coach. When Josh transitioned to the Winona State Women's Rugby program, Nick stepped into the head coach role. He led the team for three seasons, valuing the opportunity to work with dedicated players and talented assistant coaches.
Josh Krzewinski
Josh devoted nearly 20 years of his life to the Winona Men's Rugby Club first as a player then as a coach. Coaching from 1996 to 2011 and shaping generations of players along the way, his commitment went far beyond practice and match days. Josh was a steady, reliable presence on the field, and always had the right mix of guidance and good humor to keep the team moving forward. In 2011 Josh transitioned to coach the Winona Women's rugby team where he continued with long-standing dedication to the sport and the community around it.
Lasantha Dahanaike
Came to Winona State as an International Student in the fall of 1988.
During the Doggs' very first practice (Sept '88), it was obvious that he was the only person who had any formal training in rugby. He was appointed the captain at the first AGM in the spring of '89 and ended up taking on the role of captain/coach during the formative years of the club.
It took a few seasons for the Doggs to learn the game, especially the offside rule. But from the very first season, the Doggs built a reputation as a hard-hitting team that rarely missed a tackle – and outplayed every team in the third half. Aggressive recruitment in the fall of 1989 and spring of 1990 enabled the Doggs to win All-MN in the spring of 1992 during Lasantha's last season.